Trump nominates Chris Klomp as HHS second-in-command

Trump nominates Chris Klomp as HHS second-in-command

Trump nominates Chris Klomp as HHS second – On Thursday, President Donald Trump announced the appointment of Chris Klomp as deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The move marks Klomp’s elevation from his role as Medicare director to a senior position within the federal health agency. As deputy secretary, he will assume responsibility for managing HHS operations and shaping regulatory policies, effectively placing him in a position of significant influence within the administration. This appointment comes as the agency remains under the leadership of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whom Klomp has been actively advising for months. The transition is expected to streamline decision-making processes and align HHS strategies with the administration’s broader health care priorities.

Klomp’s confirmation by the Senate is the next critical step in his ascension to the role. The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee will review his nomination, adding him to a growing list of federal health officials awaiting approval. His appointment follows a series of leadership changes within HHS, including the departure of Jim O’Neill in February, which triggered a restructuring of the agency’s senior ranks. The shakeup was aimed at refocusing the department’s messaging on reducing healthcare costs and promoting the TrumpRx initiative, a program designed to lower prescription drug prices through negotiated deals with pharmaceutical companies. People close to the administration told CNN that the reorganization was part of an effort to modernize HHS’s approach to public health challenges.

“HHS is a massive and complex organization, but Chris knows exactly how to run it,” Trump stated in a post on Truth Social. The president emphasized that the decision to appoint Klomp was a collaborative effort, highlighting his partnership with Kennedy and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “You don’t know his name as much as some of the others, but he’s a real star of the group,” Trump added during a White House event in April, praising Klomp’s contributions to recent healthcare negotiations.

Before taking on his new responsibilities, Klomp had been serving as Medicare director since April 2025. In that capacity, he oversaw the implementation of the Trump administration’s plans to renegotiate drug prices and expand the most-favored nations strategy, which seeks to reduce costs by allowing Medicare to pay lower rates to pharmaceutical companies. His tenure as Medicare director positioned him as a key figure in the administration’s efforts to broker deals with manufacturers, particularly in the context of the TrumpRx program. The program has been a cornerstone of the Trump administration’s healthcare agenda, aiming to curb spending through direct negotiations rather than relying on traditional market mechanisms.

Klomp’s leadership during this period was instrumental in advancing the administration’s goals. He worked closely with Kennedy to ensure that the agency’s operations remained aligned with the priorities of the current administration, including the emphasis on cost-cutting and innovation in healthcare delivery. His role as a mediator between the federal government and private sector stakeholders has earned him recognition within the White House, where his ability to navigate complex negotiations has been repeatedly noted. The president’s comments during a recent event underscored his confidence in Klomp’s capabilities, particularly in the context of the ongoing drug pricing reforms.

In addition to his role in Medicare, Klomp has played a central part in the search for new leadership at HHS. This year, he spearheaded the process to identify candidates for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) director and the surgeon general’s office. The selection of Dr. Erica Schwartz for CDC director and Dr. Nicole Saphier for surgeon general, both of whom await Senate confirmation, reflects Klomp’s influence in shaping the agency’s senior leadership. His involvement in these searches highlights the trust placed in him by the administration to ensure continuity and effectiveness in key health initiatives.

Furthermore, Klomp has been actively engaged in the search for a replacement for former U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, who stepped down in May. This task involves evaluating candidates who can uphold the Trump administration’s regulatory priorities, such as streamlining drug approvals and enhancing market competition. The FDA’s role in overseeing pharmaceuticals has been a focal point of the administration’s efforts to reduce healthcare costs, and Klomp’s expertise in this area is expected to be valuable in the upcoming selection process.

Trump’s decision to appoint Klomp as deputy secretary signals a strategic shift within HHS. While the agency has traditionally been a hub for regulatory policy, the new leadership structure emphasizes operational efficiency and direct engagement with industry leaders. This approach is consistent with the president’s broader vision for healthcare reform, which prioritizes cost reduction and consumer-driven solutions. Klomp’s background as a former health care executive has equipped him with the skills to manage these objectives, according to officials within the administration.

The confirmation process for Klomp’s nomination will be closely watched by lawmakers and health policy analysts. Senate hearings are expected to focus on his experience in Medicare management, his role in the TrumpRx program, and his ability to navigate the complexities of HHS operations. With the administration’s emphasis on rapid implementation of healthcare reforms, Klomp’s confirmation could expedite the rollout of new policies and initiatives. However, the process may also face scrutiny, particularly from Senate Democrats who have expressed concerns about the speed of appointments and the potential impact on public health programs.

As the nation grapples with rising healthcare costs and evolving public health challenges, Klomp’s appointment underscores the Trump administration’s commitment to reshaping the role of federal health agencies. His leadership is anticipated to play a pivotal role in advancing the administration’s agenda, from negotiating drug prices to implementing regulatory changes that support its cost-cutting objectives. The coming months will be crucial in determining the effectiveness of this new leadership structure and its long-term impact on the U.S. healthcare system.